Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-11-06

The great number Of our citizens who
have called upon me and the many
expressions | have heard concerning the
future policy Of the Virginia State AeIl-
cultural Society convince me that no
little interest is felt in this matter.
These manifestations ON the part OF
orr people and the already expressed
willingness Of our newspapers to lend
every possible influence to the further
ance OF the work Is particularly erau-
fying and encouraging. For with tho
newspapers help shall bear little, while
without their support ! could scarcely
hope to succeed.
The first and the one question TO Ice set
tied at once Is: What value does Rich
mond place upon creditablo exposition
being held here, and what will she do 10
accomplish it? Whatever is TO DE done
must be commenced at once, and the IN
tent OF this communication IS to ask
the earnest consideration OF our people
to the subject.
For myself, beg to say That l can
not conceive of anything which can he
made to contribute more largely to cur
development and progrcs, than inst
such thing, and / am confident that it
would go a long way 70 comtoract on
impression which L fear has gone out
that rs "a city We do not appreciate the
advanced spirit Of the day nor have we
shown a disposition to keep step IN the
rapid march OF the times
Geographical positions and historic
associations. ! believe make Richmond
the most eligible point east Of the
Mississippi at which to hold an oxposi-
ton and think that We can make such
net only a paying Investment III the
matter OF attracting people from every
quarter of the country ; OF calling atton-
ton to our resources from the manu-
facturcrs of the lend of advertising our
minerals, woods, and unoccupiel lands.
but in the exposition itself We can realize
q handsome profit upon the outlay.
Whit do we need Eotno one for mo-
meut think TINT J would plunge into amy
wild, cxtr0yagant scheme. and squanccr
money b crafty a mere fancy. Not nj
al. / would suggest the most rigid
economy within the bounds Of a success
ful enterprise. We need an expo
sition building we must be pro
pared to command those features
which render such exhibitions Ct
tractlve We must be independent
Of weather. We must have night
as well as day exhibitions We
must have an exhibition Of such dura-
ton that exhibitors who are pat 10 heavy
expenses viii feel disposed 10 come to
Us. We must have somtthing worthy 81
us rs a metropolitan city and progr, S.
slye people. II is not necessary iof Ioc
to enter into the details as 10 why
make these assertions. nor 30 attempt q
recital rs to what we viii exhibit, how
We VIII secure the attendance, and tae
answers to "A thousand questions when
! might be asked. Some have already
ASKED Is not the present ste OF the
/ State Falr-Grounds too remote from the
city? lam Snre such persons have not
been privileged to visit the oxpos.tions
at such places us Louisville, Atlanta.
/ New Orleans, &c answer frankly ;
/ No; we are exceedingly fortunate in
having sleh location
am addressing myself to intelligent
businessmen. and / would feel MS if at
tempting to reflect upon their good sense
in calling their attention to the benefits
10 be derived from having the stranger
and those to whom we look sor trade
within our gates.
AS president OF the Virginia State
Agricultural Society am called upon to
make recommendation for the coming
years work to It's Executive Committee.
Richmond's stand in the matter vii!
shape those recommendations
want our people 30 speak oEt in no
uncertain voice, 1 want ~ hear from